Wasps

Treating Wasp Stings

Wasps will sting if provoked and this can be very painful. The venom can produce swelling as well as discomfort. The usual treatment is washing with soap and water then applying something cold to reduce swelling. Pharmacists have special sprays and creams that help reduce the pain and inflammation. Very occasionally stings are dangerous, such as when a swollen tongue obstructs breathing, or an allergic response creates a severe shock. In these cases medical help is needed immediately.

Wasps Are Useful

There is no need to kill every wasp you see. In the summer they perform the useful task of killing hundreds of other insects that are themselves a problem in the home and garden. So if wasps are tolerable, leave them alone. On the other hand, if you are being pestered by dozens of wasps daily then there is probably a colony nearby that you may wish to destroy.

Finding The Colony

Wasp nests can often be located on a sunny day when wasps are most active. By following where a wasp is flying to you may find a hole leading to the nest in a roof, airbrick, shed or compost heap. The colony will die in autumn and will never be used again. You may therefore decide to wait and let the wasps die off naturally.